Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1887-01-29

1ect discussed at the prayer meeting in
the Presbyterian Church last night, in
which the pastor said:
There are times when Gods people
should have special seasons for praise
and thanksgiving. After continuous ser
vice for nearly five weeks, in which the
church has been revived and souls con
verted, it Is proper that, in addition TO
our usual thanksgiving for blessings re-
received, there should be special service
The pastor comes to acknowledge the
benefit he has received. He is usually a
partaker of the sorrows of his people,
When sickness, or death, or distress Of
any kind comes upon them, he bears the
burden with them, in the sympathy he
shows, and in the comfort he gives. But
in times of revival he shares in the com
mon joy, and is partaker of the benefits
which come to all. 1t is the JOY of har-
vest. lie has been sewing the seed. and
now he is reaping. He gets help for his
work in such seasons. He becomes bet
ter fitted for his work. He learns how to
adapt himself TO hh work, and, under the
blessing of God, he Is able to do the
duties which God gives him to perform.
He feels the truth of the remark made by
Nettleton, a successful revivalist, when
he said: I'm the season of revival more
may be done, more Is often done, to Sc
cure the salvation of souls in a few days
or weeks, than in years spent at other
times. One sermon in o revival often
does more execution than hundred,
equally good, out of 1t.
The minister obtains not only encour-
agement and help from such meetings
as we have been holding, but hope. The
work of the church broadcns wonderful
ly at such times, and he sees many ways
in which the activities of the church may
be employed. He sees his church taking
new start, and becoming a greater
power for good than 1t had been in the
past.
Then'the membership have reason for
thanksgiving. They are lifted to high
er plane of thought and experience. They
have clearer views Of truth, clearer views
of duty, and perform their duties with
joy that they do not have at other times.
Gods house is attended and loved as it is
not at other times. The plain, simple
truths about Christ and His redemption
are enjoyed as they are not ordinarily
The work of the church has joy about
ii that nothing else can awaken.
Then the new convert has reason to be
grateful He has entered upon q new
life. He has new desires, has formed
new purposes. and has new prospects be-
fore him. He feels that this new life is
worthy of his attention that he may con-
tinue to walk in it, and trusting the Lord
for grace in the future, he acknowledges
Gods goodness in bringing him into His
family. He gets a better view of our
holy religion. 1t is, indeed, then what ii
ought to be all the time. Probably, the
church might not be able to endure the
intense feeling, and the great activity of
revival oil the time, but there ought to
be earnestness and enthusiasm in the
word of the Lord, and advancement in
holiness, and frequent conversions through
out the year.
At such times the whole church, pas
tor and people. say to the impenitent, in
the language of another: eff you wish to
be assured of the truth of christianity,
try it. Believe, and if thy belief be right,
that insight which gradually transmutes
faith into knowledge will be the reward
of thy relief" For what we have learn
ed of Gods truth and of the love of
Christ, and for what we have felt of the
joys of our holy religion, and for what
we have done to advance Gods cause,
and for the hope we entertain of the
activity and usefulness of Gods people,
we render thanksgiving and praise.
Don't Wait oil day in Barber Shop to
get Shave or Hair Cut but 60 to RAW
LING s new Shaving Parlor, 80 Maryland
Avenue, where all work is guaranteed. OPP
posite Harris Cigar Store.
j26 w. T. RAWLINGS.